Your guide to male infertility

Approximately one in seven men in the UK experience fertility issues, making male infertility more common than people may realise. The condition often goes unnoticed, which is why recognising the causes and symptoms is important, particularly if you wish to have children.

Our fertility guides

In this guide:

Male infertility can have an impact on conception. Whether you've known for a while or have recently received a diagnosis, we are here to support and guide you on your fertility journey.

In this guide, we cover:

- What we mean by male infertility

- The different conditions that can impact fertility and the symptoms to look out for

- How fertility treatments can help

What is male infertility?

Male factor subfertility refers to reduced fertility in men due to abnormal sperm parameters, ejaculatory issues, or genetic and hormonal factors, affecting the ability to achieve pregnancy.

Most men only realise when they have difficulty contributing to conception. This is typically due to issues with the man's sperm, including their size and shape, which can affect their ability to penetrate and fertilise the egg. Rest assured, there are various fertility treatments and tests for men available to enhance the likelihood of conception.

What causes male infertility?

In many cases of male factor subfertility, we do not find a cause for decreased sperm parameters. Underlying anatomical problems, such as the presence of a varicocele, may contribute.

Certain medical conditions, like diabetes, can result in poorer quality sperm and can also cause ejaculation issues; untreated sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can also lead to infertility. Furthermore, lifestyle choices such as smoking, diet, increased BMI, excessive alcohol consumption and high caffeine intake can affect both sperm quantity and quality.

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Condition

What are the symptoms of male infertility?

In many cases of male factor subfertility, we do not find any symptoms that would indicate a cause for decreased sperm parameters. Your medical history is important. If you have a chronic medical complaint, a history of previous STIs, surgery to the testes for problems with torsion or maldescent, or a history of trauma, carrying out a a semen analysis may be beneficial.

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Common signs of male infertility

Symptoms can vary among individuals. These may include prominent veins in the testicles, swelling in the testicular area, blood in semen, pain and problems during ejaculation, difficulties getting or maintaining an erection, mood changes, fatigue and difficulty concentrating, weight gain, reduced sex drive (libido) and a decrease in facial hair.

When to see a doctor

Male infertility can impact individuals in different ways, especially for those who are trying to start a family.

If you're concerned about any symptoms you are experiencing, contact your doctor for advice and guidance.

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A gloved hand holds several thin, clear medical semen straws against a blurred blue background.

How does male infertility affect fertility?

Male fertility plays a crucial role in a couple's ability to conceive, as it can be affected by a decline in sperm quality and quantity. A semen analysis assesses various sperm parameters, including sperm motility, morphology and concentration.

Sperm concentration, also known as sperm count, measures the quantity of sperm present in your sample, while sperm motility evaluates the sperm’s ability to move and fertilise an egg. If your sperm exhibits poor motility, medical intervention may be necessary. Sperm morphology examines the shape and size of sperm, as abnormally shaped sperm can contribute to infertility issues.

Treatment

Fertility treatment options

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Fertility drugs

For a small proportion of men, hormone therapies such as gonadotropin injections can be used to help stimulate sperm production. In some cases, retrograde ejaculation may affect fertility, which can be treated via medication. For individuals with erectile dysfunction, medicines including sildenafil, tadalafil and alprostadil can be prescribed.

Intrauterine insemination (IUI)

IUI is a less invasive procedure than IVF which involves injecting healthy sperm directly into the uterus. This is usually recommended for same-sex female couples using a sperm donor.

Learn more

Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI)

ICSI is an additional step during the IVF process that is recommended for patients with male factor infertility or that are using frozen eggs. It involves injecting a single healthy sperm directly into the egg.

Learn more

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Donation

For some people, their journey to parenthood is only possible with the help of a donor. This is often recommended for same sex couples, solo parents and those not producing viable eggs or sperm. Finding the right donor can be overwhelming but we'll offer guidance to support you.

Learn more